Dental
anatomy is a field of anatomy dedicated to the study of tooth structure. The
development, appearance, and classification of teeth fall within its field of
study, though dental occlusion, or contact between teeth, does not. Dental
anatomy is also a taxonomic science as it is concerned with the naming of
teeth and their structures. This information serves a practical purpose for
dentists, enabling them to easily identify teeth and structures during treatment.
The
anatomic crown of a tooth is the area covered in enamel above the cementoenamel
junction (CEJ) or "neck" of the tooth. Most of the crown is
composed of dentin ("dentine" in British English) with the pulp
chamber inside. The crown is within bone before eruption. After eruption, it is
almost always visible. The anatomic root is found below the CEJ and is covered
with cementum. As with the crown, dentin composes most of the root, which
normally has pulp canals. Canines and most premolars, except for maxillary
first premolars, usually have one root. Maxillary first premolars and
mandibular molars usually have two roots. Maxillary
molars usually have three roots. Additional roots are referred to as
supernumerary roots.
Plaque
is a biofilm consisting of large quantities of various bacteria that form on
teeth. If not removed regularly, plaque buildup can lead to periodontal
problems such as gingivitis. Given time, plaque can mineralize along the
gingiva, forming tartar. The microorganisms that form the biofilm are almost
entirely bacteria (mainly streptococcus and anaerobes), with the composition
varying by location in the mouth. Streptococcus
mutans is the most important bacterium associated with dental caries.
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